Kate Sightings and Royal Baby Updates...

Today we will start off with a couple of Kate sightings that have been made recently. On the 2nd April, Kate was spotted shopping in Norfolk. (with thanks to Royal Baby Watch for the picture)

photo via Royal Baby Watch Twitter

She wore her Seraphina Marina Coat which we first saw her wear upon the couple's arrival in New York.

photo via The Daily Mail

She teamed the coat with black tights and her Stuart Weitzman Zipkin Boots - which I am a big fan of!

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Our next point of interest is the heightened excitement around Kate expecting a baby girl. Kate has reportedly ordered 3 paint samples from Annie Sloan in feminine shades. These include; Henriette - "a beautiful rich complex pink with a hint of lilac", Antoinette - "soft pale pink with a hint of brown" and Emile - "warm soft aubergine colour with pink-red undertones". It costs £18.95 for a 1litre pot or £6.45 a 100ml sample pot.

The report says that these samples have been sent to Amner Hall for Kate to choose from, however, it has not been confirmed and she may well have ordered samples in pink because she already has blue samples from Prince George and wanted to be prepared and have chosen a colour for either gender depending on whether they have a baby girl or a baby boy!

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Yesterday the Royal Press Briefing about the second royal birth took place. The Palace revealed a lot more details than I had anticipated, so I have tried to break it down!

The Duchess is expected to give birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, like she did with Prince George. She is also using the same doctors who were there for Prince George's arrival including Alan Farthing and Guy Thorpe-Beeston.

However, if the Duchess is not in London and is at her parent's house in Berkshire than they have set up a contingency plan at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where Kate was born. Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge have also been prepped as a contingency plan.

When Prince George was born there were hundred of reporters and photographers set up for days before Kate gave birth. It was dubbed the 'Great Kate Wait'. However, this time around the reporters and photographers will not be allowed to wait outside the hospital until AFTER the Duchess has gone into labour. The Palace has said that this to give the family more privacy.

photo via The Telegraph

When the Duchess is admitted to hospital the Palace will announce to the media via a press release, followed two minutes later by posts on Kensington Palace's Twitter and Instagram.

They will then release a second statement to confirm the arrival of a Prince of Princess and include details on the baby's gender, time of birth and weight - just like they did with Prince George.

They also revealed that the Duke and Duchess do NOT know the sex of the baby, despite the media reports. Like with Prince George, they have decided to keep it a surprise.

Also, If the baby arrives after 10pm then the press will not be notified until after 8am the following morning. Members of the Duke and Duchess's families, which includes their parents and siblings, will be notified of the birth before the public. 

After that the traditional notice of birth will be placed on an easel outside of Buckingham Palace for well-wishers to see. A Palace footman will take the notice from the hospital to Buckingham Palace.

photo via The Mirror

When Prince Harry was born Prince William accompanied his father, Prince Charles, to go and see him in the hospital. Many had thought that Prince George would do the same. However, Kate and William will decide whether George will visit his new sister or brother in the hospital on the day. I do hope we get to see the adorable George, but we will have to wait and see! Although the couple have said that Prince George is "excited" about having a little brother or sister - which just increases his cute factor for everyone!

Once they have left Kensington Palace, the family-of-four, will then stay at Kensington Palace for a few days so that senior members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, can meet the new addition to the family. After that they are expected to travel to Norfolk and stay at Amner Hall whilst they recuperate and bond with their new baby. It is thought that Kate's parents will be staying with them to help.

The couple will no doubt appreciate the help from Carole and Michael Middleton, as they have said that they will not take any more help. Prince George's nanny - Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo - will, instead, look after both children. 

It is unlikely that we will see and sightings of Kate again until after the baby is born - which is expected to be the 20th or the 25th April. However, I have an upcoming post on Kate's maternity style to fill the gap between now and the birth, which I hope you will all enjoy!